CNT-based electrodes for flexible aqueous zinc-ion batteries: progress and opportunities

The advancement of wearable electronics requires flexible power sources with durable electrodes to withstand dynamic operational conditions. Among diverse materials for electrodes, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) emerge as an ideal material due to their unique structure, high aspect ratio, and tunable surface chemistry, enabling versatile architectures from fibers to films and sponges. This review systematically examines CNT-based flexible electrodes for zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs), highlighting recent breakthroughs in multifunctional wearable applications achieved through optimized CNT architectures. Key strategies in component engineering and structural design are discussed to enhance mechanical-electrochemical performance. Furthermore, critical correlations between material properties, electrode design, and practical applications are established. By providing methodological insights and technological roadmaps, this comprehensive analysis advances the development of CNT-based flexible electrodes for next-generation electrochemical energy storage systems. © The Royal Society of Chemistry and the Chinese Chemical Society 2025.